I was lucky tonight but I really feel for everyone affected by this ridiculous situation. Proper contingency plans need to be put in place. Passing tickets on c2c and London transport helps very few people. And the compensation is laughable.

I was lucky tonight but I really feel for everyone affected by this ridiculous situation. Proper contingency plans need to be put in place. Passing tickets on c2c and London transport helps very few people. And the compensation is laughable.MooGirl

There were continued issues well into the night. I had a 22:18 train for a 11pm arrival, which was outright cancelled. we all ended up spending over two hours on a delayed journey on the 22:30 train which arrived at 00:34. I'd advise everybody to partake in the delay repay scheme, we'll be entitled to a 100% refund. It's a shame this refund is just money off for the same terrible service, but it's not like we can vote with our feet on this matter.

There were continued issues well into the night. I had a 22:18 train for a 11pm arrival, which was outright cancelled. we all ended up spending over two hours on a delayed journey on the 22:30 train which arrived at 00:34. I'd advise everybody to partake in the delay repay scheme, we'll be entitled to a 100% refund. It's a shame this refund is just money off for the same terrible service, but it's not like we can vote with our feet on this matter.njworsley

I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation.

I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds.
co.uk/ .

I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation.
I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds.
co.uk/ .JohnSmith567

JohnSmith567 wrote:
I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation.

I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds.

co.uk/ .

Try walking, not moaning

[quote][p][bold]JohnSmith567[/bold] wrote:
I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation.
I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds.
co.uk/ .[/p][/quote]Try walking, not moaningNowthatsworthknowing

It was the lack of information that was the real frustrating thing. A broken down train does not take that long to shift but the incompetants at Liverpool Street kept on saying that was the problem. If they had announced that it was also due to overhead line problems as well at 18:00hrs then I and no doubt a vast majority of seasoned commuters would have gone off for a couple of hours knowing that it takes this long to fix rather than standing around waiting for the broken down train to be shifted. They eventually announced the overhead line problem at 21:05 !! The only way this will ever get sorted is if a government minister travels regularly on the line, otherwise we have to accept we are poor cousins compared to those that live in the N.W. of England and have an excellent service operated by Virgin.

It was the lack of information that was the real frustrating thing. A broken down train does not take that long to shift but the incompetants at Liverpool Street kept on saying that was the problem. If they had announced that it was also due to overhead line problems as well at 18:00hrs then I and no doubt a vast majority of seasoned commuters would have gone off for a couple of hours knowing that it takes this long to fix rather than standing around waiting for the broken down train to be shifted. They eventually announced the overhead line problem at 21:05 !! The only way this will ever get sorted is if a government minister travels regularly on the line, otherwise we have to accept we are poor cousins compared to those that live in the N.W. of England and have an excellent service operated by Virgin.Scoot

To clarify what actually happened; yes a train failed between Chelmsford & Hatfield Peverel, but what is not stated in the article is that the train failed because of overhead power line problems... If I remember rightly those are the responsibility of Network Rail. So I don't believe the rolling stock was at fault on this occasion so I'm not sure what Abelio could have done...

To clarify what actually happened; yes a train failed between Chelmsford & Hatfield Peverel, but what is not stated in the article is that the train failed because of overhead power line problems... If I remember rightly those are the responsibility of Network Rail. So I don't believe the rolling stock was at fault on this occasion so I'm not sure what Abelio could have done...jag99

JohnSmith567 wrote: I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation. I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds. co.uk/ .

Try walking, not moaning

To London ? Don't be a moron.

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]JohnSmith567[/bold] wrote: I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation. I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds. co.uk/ .[/p][/quote]Try walking, not moaning[/p][/quote]To London ? Don't be a moron.wardyt

Hiker54 wrote:
Same old story, but what do you expect when the same old trains are being used. Time for new, reliable rolling stock.

You could have the most modern stock in the country and last night would have still happened, the overhead line pulled the equipment off the top of the roof, hardly the fault of the rolling stock or Abellio. Unfortunatly sometimes major incidents happen and you cant just dump a train on the hard shoulder and wait for the AA to arrive. Im sure everyone that was involved clearing the mess up last night worked as quickly as they could after all the quicker there done the quicker they get to go home too! Yes having the correct information does help passengers decide what to do but its only guesswork on the issue untill someone can get down to the incident and check it out. And the teams getting to incidents have to drive which in last nights case was rush hour which we all know can take some considerable time... isnt that why we all use the trains in the first place? An unfortunate set of situations in terms of time, location, type of fault etc etc really didnt help matters its just one of those things. A hugely unpleasent stressful time for everyone involved, staff included, who also cant get home, end up working overtime, missing meal breaks, having to deal with angry passengers etc etc etc

[quote][p][bold]Hiker54[/bold] wrote:
Same old story, but what do you expect when the same old trains are being used. Time for new, reliable rolling stock.[/p][/quote]You could have the most modern stock in the country and last night would have still happened, the overhead line pulled the equipment off the top of the roof, hardly the fault of the rolling stock or Abellio. Unfortunatly sometimes major incidents happen and you cant just dump a train on the hard shoulder and wait for the AA to arrive. Im sure everyone that was involved clearing the mess up last night worked as quickly as they could after all the quicker there done the quicker they get to go home too! Yes having the correct information does help passengers decide what to do but its only guesswork on the issue untill someone can get down to the incident and check it out. And the teams getting to incidents have to drive which in last nights case was rush hour which we all know can take some considerable time... isnt that why we all use the trains in the first place? An unfortunate set of situations in terms of time, location, type of fault etc etc really didnt help matters its just one of those things. A hugely unpleasent stressful time for everyone involved, staff included, who also cant get home, end up working overtime, missing meal breaks, having to deal with angry passengers etc etc etcAnonymous_10

MrsR1981 wrote:
My husband was stuck on the train that broke down for 5 hours and no free drink was offered either which I think is terrible and food ran out because eveyone was clearly hungry!

Take your own, not happy with service DRIVE YOURSELF

[quote][p][bold]MrsR1981[/bold] wrote:
My husband was stuck on the train that broke down for 5 hours and no free drink was offered either which I think is terrible and food ran out because eveyone was clearly hungry![/p][/quote]Take your own, not happy with service DRIVE YOURSELFNowthatsworthknowing

MrsR1981 wrote:
My husband was stuck on the train that broke down for 5 hours and no free drink was offered either which I think is terrible and food ran out because eveyone was clearly hungry!

Take your own, not happy with service DRIVE YOURSELF

If everyone drove themselves the A12 wouldn't move in the mornings or evenings and there'd be nowhere to park in London due to the quantity of cars.

I agree with the original comment, it's unreasonable that when stuck on a train for so long the staff didn't cut their losses and give out food/drink. That said, I'd dare say there likely wasn't enough drinks to go around. Perhaps when a recovery vehicle is sent out they should be loaded with enough bottled water to go round too.

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MrsR1981[/bold] wrote:
My husband was stuck on the train that broke down for 5 hours and no free drink was offered either which I think is terrible and food ran out because eveyone was clearly hungry![/p][/quote]Take your own, not happy with service DRIVE YOURSELF[/p][/quote]If everyone drove themselves the A12 wouldn't move in the mornings or evenings and there'd be nowhere to park in London due to the quantity of cars.
I agree with the original comment, it's unreasonable that when stuck on a train for so long the staff didn't cut their losses and give out food/drink. That said, I'd dare say there likely wasn't enough drinks to go around. Perhaps when a recovery vehicle is sent out they should be loaded with enough bottled water to go round too.wormshero

Anonymous the correct information was surely known by the driver then if the cause of the breakdown was the overhead lines so why at 1700 hrs were they saying 'an incident being investigated with delays of upto 60 mins' and the station announcements and staff saying "its a broken down train" someone somewhere in AGA and Network Rail knew what the problem was well before 21:00hrs (after about 4 trains had departed) but obviously could not be bothered to inform passengers what the real problem was.

Anonymous the correct information was surely known by the driver then if the cause of the breakdown was the overhead lines so why at 1700 hrs were they saying 'an incident being investigated with delays of upto 60 mins' and the station announcements and staff saying "its a broken down train" someone somewhere in AGA and Network Rail knew what the problem was well before 21:00hrs (after about 4 trains had departed) but obviously could not be bothered to inform passengers what the real problem was.Scoot

MrsR1981 wrote:
My husband was stuck on the train that broke down for 5 hours and no free drink was offered either which I think is terrible and food ran out because eveyone was clearly hungry!

Take your own, not happy with service DRIVE YOURSELF

Nothing helpful to add, just moronic comments?

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MrsR1981[/bold] wrote:
My husband was stuck on the train that broke down for 5 hours and no free drink was offered either which I think is terrible and food ran out because eveyone was clearly hungry![/p][/quote]Take your own, not happy with service DRIVE YOURSELF[/p][/quote]Nothing helpful to add, just moronic comments?IpsumDelor

Scoot wrote:
Anonymous the correct information was surely known by the driver then if the cause of the breakdown was the overhead lines so why at 1700 hrs were they saying 'an incident being investigated with delays of upto 60 mins' and the station announcements and staff saying &quot;its a broken down train" someone somewhere in AGA and Network Rail knew what the problem was well before 21:00hrs (after about 4 trains had departed) but obviously could not be bothered to inform passengers what the real problem was.

Why would the driver know? His not an engineer, all that would happen is he would loose his overhead supply light, he would have a rough idea it is overhead related but that could be something as simple as a plastic bag on the overheads tripping the section out. It really is not untill engineers arrive and block the line that they can tell that its something more serious and that it isnt a simple fix. One of the biggest problems anyone has with news and communication is chinese wispers, the minute one person takes what is said as the gospel truth it will spread like wildfire and different versions of the story will be said. Its unfortunate what happened happened last night but everyone who would have been involved in trying to sort the issue would have done everything they could. Like i mentioned earlier it would have taken a while to get to the scene of the incident as it was rush hour, then the majority of the time it is a huge distance from access to the railway to the actual location so a long long walk is involved with heavy equipment being carried aswell. Plus safety wise there is a wait to make sure lines are blocked from other rail vehicles and to have the overhead electrical supplies turned off. The railways really arent as simple as some people believe and it annoys the staff just as much as the passengers

[quote][p][bold]Scoot[/bold] wrote:
Anonymous the correct information was surely known by the driver then if the cause of the breakdown was the overhead lines so why at 1700 hrs were they saying 'an incident being investigated with delays of upto 60 mins' and the station announcements and staff saying "its a broken down train" someone somewhere in AGA and Network Rail knew what the problem was well before 21:00hrs (after about 4 trains had departed) but obviously could not be bothered to inform passengers what the real problem was.[/p][/quote]Why would the driver know? His not an engineer, all that would happen is he would loose his overhead supply light, he would have a rough idea it is overhead related but that could be something as simple as a plastic bag on the overheads tripping the section out. It really is not untill engineers arrive and block the line that they can tell that its something more serious and that it isnt a simple fix. One of the biggest problems anyone has with news and communication is chinese wispers, the minute one person takes what is said as the gospel truth it will spread like wildfire and different versions of the story will be said. Its unfortunate what happened happened last night but everyone who would have been involved in trying to sort the issue would have done everything they could. Like i mentioned earlier it would have taken a while to get to the scene of the incident as it was rush hour, then the majority of the time it is a huge distance from access to the railway to the actual location so a long long walk is involved with heavy equipment being carried aswell. Plus safety wise there is a wait to make sure lines are blocked from other rail vehicles and to have the overhead electrical supplies turned off. The railways really arent as simple as some people believe and it annoys the staff just as much as the passengersAnonymous_10

The train company did indeed fail miserably with any useful information, but that is normal in any delay situation. Regular users should be used to that by now.

What is of most concern and completely missed by those in the media who are lucky enouigh to get to question those suits in charge, is why it took so long for the failed train to be moved.

In the absence of any media person with a brain to do it, I'll do it for them.

Up until a few months ago, what's known as a 'Thunderbird' locomotive was based at Colchester (AM) and Shenfield (PM) so if such a incident as Tuesday occured it could reasonably quickly get to any failure and shift it.

Not any more I'm afraid (no doubt due to cost cutting) that's been abandoned. The rescue locomotive on Tuesday came from Norwich and that will continue to be the case in any future incident

Perhaps a little more intelligent research from the media is in order, and those who run the railway could be taken to task a bit more effectively and expose their constant failings.

The train company did indeed fail miserably with any useful information, but that is normal in any delay situation. Regular users should be used to that by now.
What is of most concern and completely missed by those in the media who are lucky enouigh to get to question those suits in charge, is why it took so long for the failed train to be moved.
In the absence of any media person with a brain to do it, I'll do it for them.
Up until a few months ago, what's known as a 'Thunderbird' locomotive was based at Colchester (AM) and Shenfield (PM) so if such a incident as Tuesday occured it could reasonably quickly get to any failure and shift it.
Not any more I'm afraid (no doubt due to cost cutting) that's been abandoned. The rescue locomotive on Tuesday came from Norwich and that will continue to be the case in any future incident
Perhaps a little more intelligent research from the media is in order, and those who run the railway could be taken to task a bit more effectively and expose their constant failings.Slamdoor312

JohnSmith567 wrote: I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation. I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds. co.uk/ .

Try walking, not moaning

To London ? Don't be a moron.

Couldn't have put it better myself.

[quote][p][bold]wardyt[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]JohnSmith567[/bold] wrote: I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation. I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds. co.uk/ .[/p][/quote]Try walking, not moaning[/p][/quote]To London ? Don't be a moron.[/p][/quote]Couldn't have put it better myself.JohnSmith567

Slamdoor312 wrote:
The train company did indeed fail miserably with any useful information, but that is normal in any delay situation. Regular users should be used to that by now.

What is of most concern and completely missed by those in the media who are lucky enouigh to get to question those suits in charge, is why it took so long for the failed train to be moved.

In the absence of any media person with a brain to do it, I'll do it for them.

Up until a few months ago, what's known as a 'Thunderbird' locomotive was based at Colchester (AM) and Shenfield (PM) so if such a incident as Tuesday occured it could reasonably quickly get to any failure and shift it.

Not any more I'm afraid (no doubt due to cost cutting) that's been abandoned. The rescue locomotive on Tuesday came from Norwich and that will continue to be the case in any future incident

Perhaps a little more intelligent research from the media is in order, and those who run the railway could be taken to task a bit more effectively and expose their constant failings.

A rescue loco as far as im aware didnt take to long to scramble however my understanding (which may be incorrect) is that the overhead roof equipment was entagled around the overhead line and to reduce any further damage it took some time to sort, and before anyone says why didnt they cut the wire they probably did however the incident location was probably a good mile or two from where a vehicle carrying tools could be left and also if the overhead roof equipment has been pulled around it makes an awful mess and wont "fold" down like it usually will so either has to be cut off or tied down so when the train is pulled away it doesnt damage anything else and thats not easy when out of a depot. It really isnt as simple as pull it out of the way and if more passengers understood the difficulties involved it would be easier to understand why it takes so long. Also on another point this is all assuming the overheads were damaged in the immediate area of the stranded train, it might well be the damaged overhead line wasnt at the location and so had to be searched to be found before any trains could run. It doesnt take alot to damage things and trying to spot a defect like a damaged "dropper" (about as small as a door hinge) is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Whilst i do agree that resources have been cut back over the last few years i do not believe it would have made a difference to this particular incident. However i do agree that there is a need for spare capacity in the fleet as there is huge pressure to make sure all trains are in service as there has been a reduction in the fleet albeit by a small number but that still has a knock on effect if there is a problem with a train that means it cannot run in service

[quote][p][bold]Slamdoor312[/bold] wrote:
The train company did indeed fail miserably with any useful information, but that is normal in any delay situation. Regular users should be used to that by now.
What is of most concern and completely missed by those in the media who are lucky enouigh to get to question those suits in charge, is why it took so long for the failed train to be moved.
In the absence of any media person with a brain to do it, I'll do it for them.
Up until a few months ago, what's known as a 'Thunderbird' locomotive was based at Colchester (AM) and Shenfield (PM) so if such a incident as Tuesday occured it could reasonably quickly get to any failure and shift it.
Not any more I'm afraid (no doubt due to cost cutting) that's been abandoned. The rescue locomotive on Tuesday came from Norwich and that will continue to be the case in any future incident
Perhaps a little more intelligent research from the media is in order, and those who run the railway could be taken to task a bit more effectively and expose their constant failings.[/p][/quote]A rescue loco as far as im aware didnt take to long to scramble however my understanding (which may be incorrect) is that the overhead roof equipment was entagled around the overhead line and to reduce any further damage it took some time to sort, and before anyone says why didnt they cut the wire they probably did however the incident location was probably a good mile or two from where a vehicle carrying tools could be left and also if the overhead roof equipment has been pulled around it makes an awful mess and wont "fold" down like it usually will so either has to be cut off or tied down so when the train is pulled away it doesnt damage anything else and thats not easy when out of a depot. It really isnt as simple as pull it out of the way and if more passengers understood the difficulties involved it would be easier to understand why it takes so long. Also on another point this is all assuming the overheads were damaged in the immediate area of the stranded train, it might well be the damaged overhead line wasnt at the location and so had to be searched to be found before any trains could run. It doesnt take alot to damage things and trying to spot a defect like a damaged "dropper" (about as small as a door hinge) is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Whilst i do agree that resources have been cut back over the last few years i do not believe it would have made a difference to this particular incident. However i do agree that there is a need for spare capacity in the fleet as there is huge pressure to make sure all trains are in service as there has been a reduction in the fleet albeit by a small number but that still has a knock on effect if there is a problem with a train that means it cannot run in serviceAnonymous_10

JohnSmith567 wrote:
I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation.

I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds.

co.uk/ .

Try walking, not moaning

Nothing constructive to say from you as usual, pathetic individual.

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]JohnSmith567[/bold] wrote:
I was on the 17:08 and got to Colchester at 20:39. Words fail me. To top it off, the 3.5 hour delay will get me £9.00 compensation.
I know it's been featured here before, and this isn't an advert, but get the Train Refunds app and claim the hell out of the Delay Repay - http://trainrefunds.
co.uk/ .[/p][/quote]Try walking, not moaning[/p][/quote]Nothing constructive to say from you as usual, pathetic individual.ekcoanarak

Catchedicam wrote:
the joys of commuting, teach them a lesson get a local job.

And get paid £6 per hour, not for me.
Moronic jerk.

I don't commute 2 hours a day and don't pay £10,000 per year before tax for the pleasure of sitting on trains. And I can assure you I earn significantly more than £6ph so who's the moronic jerk? lol. Stop moaning and suck it up it is your choice to commute.

[quote][p][bold]ekcoanarak[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Catchedicam[/bold] wrote:
the joys of commuting, teach them a lesson get a local job.[/p][/quote]And get paid £6 per hour, not for me.
Moronic jerk.[/p][/quote]I don't commute 2 hours a day and don't pay £10,000 per year before tax for the pleasure of sitting on trains. And I can assure you I earn significantly more than £6ph so who's the moronic jerk? lol. Stop moaning and suck it up it is your choice to commute.Catchedicam

Catchedicam wrote:
the joys of commuting, teach them a lesson get a local job.

And get paid £6 per hour, not for me.
Moronic jerk.

I don't commute 2 hours a day and don't pay £10,000 per year before tax for the pleasure of sitting on trains. And I can assure you I earn significantly more than £6ph so who's the moronic jerk? lol. Stop moaning and suck it up it is your choice to commute.

Idiot ! Many commute to London as there are not many well paid local jobs, season tickets are not 10,000 as you claim, closer to 3000 - 4000 but even then people expect a good service and have every right to complain, telling people its their fault they should work locally is rather pathetic, maybe if they did one of them would have your job !

[quote][p][bold]Catchedicam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]ekcoanarak[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Catchedicam[/bold] wrote:
the joys of commuting, teach them a lesson get a local job.[/p][/quote]And get paid £6 per hour, not for me.
Moronic jerk.[/p][/quote]I don't commute 2 hours a day and don't pay £10,000 per year before tax for the pleasure of sitting on trains. And I can assure you I earn significantly more than £6ph so who's the moronic jerk? lol. Stop moaning and suck it up it is your choice to commute.[/p][/quote]Idiot ! Many commute to London as there are not many well paid local jobs, season tickets are not 10,000 as you claim, closer to 3000 - 4000 but even then people expect a good service and have every right to complain, telling people its their fault they should work locally is rather pathetic, maybe if they did one of them would have your job !andy:)

Catchedicam wrote:
the joys of commuting, teach them a lesson get a local job.

And get paid £6 per hour, not for me.
Moronic jerk.

I don't commute 2 hours a day and don't pay £10,000 per year before tax for the pleasure of sitting on trains. And I can assure you I earn significantly more than £6ph so who's the moronic jerk? lol. Stop moaning and suck it up it is your choice to commute.

Idiot ! Many commute to London as there are not many well paid local jobs, season tickets are not 10,000 as you claim, closer to 3000 - 4000 but even then people expect a good service and have every right to complain, telling people its their fault they should work locally is rather pathetic, maybe if they did one of them would have your job !

lol, clearly simple maths is clearly not one of your strong points, if you pay for a season ticket currently £5740 between Colchester and London zone one, that equates to £9566 before tax. @ 40% if you add in national insurance as well then that cost rises to around £11500.. i.e. you need to earn £11500 in London just to break even add to that the loss of 3+ hours each day travelling.. then where is the logic? People choose to do it for the supposed kudos of working there, it's certainly not for the money unless you are a trader etc. So stop whinging about your choices, you knew the deal when you went to work there its no different now than it was 20 years go, just more people cramming into cattle wagons. Plenty of local jobs just look at one that pays £11,000 less and enjoy life a bit more.

[quote][p][bold]andy:)[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Catchedicam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]ekcoanarak[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Catchedicam[/bold] wrote:
the joys of commuting, teach them a lesson get a local job.[/p][/quote]And get paid £6 per hour, not for me.
Moronic jerk.[/p][/quote]I don't commute 2 hours a day and don't pay £10,000 per year before tax for the pleasure of sitting on trains. And I can assure you I earn significantly more than £6ph so who's the moronic jerk? lol. Stop moaning and suck it up it is your choice to commute.[/p][/quote]Idiot ! Many commute to London as there are not many well paid local jobs, season tickets are not 10,000 as you claim, closer to 3000 - 4000 but even then people expect a good service and have every right to complain, telling people its their fault they should work locally is rather pathetic, maybe if they did one of them would have your job ![/p][/quote]lol, clearly simple maths is clearly not one of your strong points, if you pay for a season ticket currently £5740 between Colchester and London zone one, that equates to £9566 before tax. @ 40% if you add in national insurance as well then that cost rises to around £11500.. i.e. you need to earn £11500 in London just to break even add to that the loss of 3+ hours each day travelling.. then where is the logic? People choose to do it for the supposed kudos of working there, it's certainly not for the money unless you are a trader etc. So stop whinging about your choices, you knew the deal when you went to work there its no different now than it was 20 years go, just more people cramming into cattle wagons. Plenty of local jobs just look at one that pays £11,000 less and enjoy life a bit more.Catchedicam